Fernando leaned forward, musing aloud, “Mr. Clark, could this drama be a clever ruse orchestrated by the Wheeler family?”
Matthew shook his head firmly. “The Wheelers don’t have the pull to orchestrate a show like this with police cooperation. That said, you’d still be wise to dig into their recent contacts-maybe there’s a clue waiting to be uncovered.”
Meanwhile, Stella turned to Dexter with a decisive air. “I want you to dig into who orchestrated Robin’s release,” she said, her tone leaving no room for debate.
Her thoughts lingered on her conversation with Matthew from the previous night. Their exchange had left a bitter taste-sharp words and unresolved tension-but despite that, she couldn’t entirely dismiss the faith she had in him.
If Matthew had indeed freed Robin and lied to her face, she wouldn’t hesitate to sever their bond once and for all.
Not long after, Dexter approached Stella with fresh intel. “Mrs. Clark,” he began, his tone cautious, “I discovered that it was Lindsay who pulled the strings for Robin’s release.”
Stella’s brows shot up in surprise. “Did Matthew put her up to it?”
Dexter hesitated. “I couldn’t trace it that far. Whoever orchestrated this went to great lengths to stay anonymous. But anyone capable of influencing the police like that has to be someone with serious clout here in Seamarsh.”
A sharp, bitter laugh escaped Stella’s lips. The news only added fuel to her growing doubts about Matthew.
Dexter noticed her reaction and asked tentatively, “Should we keep digging?”
Stella shook her head, her weariness seeping into her voice. “No, don’t bother. If he’s hell-bent on keeping this under wraps, let him take it to the grave. It’s his secret to hold, not mine to uncover.”
Her words carried a note of finality, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of sadness as she turned to the window. Her gaze drifted to the world beyond, but her thoughts were miles away, tangled in a web of emotions.
Just then, the sound of a light knock interrupted her reverie. Doreen stood at the door, a stack of documents clutched tightly in her hands. “Come in,” Stella called without turning, her voice steady but distant.
Doreen hesitated for a beat before entering, her face a mixture of nerves and anticipation. As she stepped into the office, her eyes instinctively darted toward Dexter. Her expression softened, her shyness almost palpable, and a faint flush crept into her cheeks.
Stella noticed this and couldn’t help but chuckle, a mischievous grin tugging at her Lips.
Doreen, hearing Stella’s soft laughter, flushed slightly, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink. A bit flustered, she stammered, “Stella, am I interrupting? I just realized it’s nearly noon. How about we grab lunch together, or we can order in?”
With a warm smile, Stella replied, “Let’s go out for lunch, and Dexter should come along too. But I’ve got some work to wrap up first, so you two can go ahead and place the order.”
Dexter, however, didn’t seem too enthusiastic. He frowned and quickly declined, “No, I’m good. You two go ahead, I’m not hungry.”
Stella’s gaze turned serious as she met Dexter’s eyes. “You’re here to help us on Bennett’s orders. Even if I’m not the one cutting your paycheck, I’ve got to say you’ve been invaluable these past few days. As the one running things here, it’s only fair I treat you to a meal.”
Dexter opened his mouth to refuse again, but just as he was about to speak, Stella’s phone rang, cutting him off.
With a decisive nod, Stella told them, “You two go ahead. I’ll catch up with you after I take this call.”
Doreen quickly picked up on the hint and said, “No problem, take your time.”
She then grabbed Dexter’s hand, leading him out the door.
Stella answered the call-it was Fernando.